In Green Bay, a group of students recently participated in the premiere performance of an original musical work they helped inspire. Led by world-renowned composer and conductor Brian Balmages, the band students from West High School and Franklin Middle School collaborated with him to bring his latest piece, titled “Hope Ahead,” to life.
Brian Balmages has a prestigious reputation as a composer and conductor, with his music being performed in renowned venues worldwide, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Sydney Opera House. His compositions have been played by everyone from professional symphony orchestras to elementary school students.
The inspiration for “Hope Ahead” came from a drawing of a broken robot overlooking a city, which Balmages initially saw as a reflection of a society overly reliant on technology. However, after receiving essays from the students speculating on alternative interpretations of the drawing, Balmages shifted his focus.
Upon reading students’ thoughtful musings on how the drawing could be expressed musically, Balmages decided to reframe the piece as a reflection of mental health and the importance of looking towards a brighter future. Emphasizing the value of every individual, Balmages aimed to create a composition that resonated with the students on a personal level.
The students found meaning in the music, with junior trombonist Aiden Miller-Riesterer describing it as “a journey that builds up to
